In pursuit of simplicity in the shop

Cut out the unnecessary complications. Simplify!

Large organizations and governments frequently undertake simplification exercises or projects which they like to refer to as “red tape reduction.” Essentially it’s a process of eliminating unnecessary activities and streamlining others to achieve the simplification we all crave when things just seem to get so darn complicated that they waste our time rather than deliver value.

Well, the concept and process of simplification applies to businesses such as even the smallest graphics shop as much as it does to any other organization. Not on the same scale of course, but it still offers benefits. And we’re talking about everything from operations to administration.

Here are some inspiring quotes to get you thinking about simplification from a well-known advocate of simplification, Edward de Bono:

“If something is not a problem it does not get any thinking time. A search for simplicity should enable us to rethink everything—not only problem areas.”